This Is What I Mean

I ended the year 2022 and started off 2023 at home. I didn’t know how much I needed this trip until I actually got on Senegalese soil. Well not the ground per say because I’m not a sand person and we don’t really have sidewalks. Oh traffic was horrible and Dakar is getting more and more expensive… Also did you guys see the plane ticket prices back to Africa? I’m confused are they hiding something? Do they not want us to come back?

Back to what I was trying to say…

I haven’t felt this at peace in a long time. Being born and raised abroad has given me many opportunities that I will forever be grateful for however there is no place like home. Everything just seems to align when I’m back in Senegal. Everything that shifted automatically found its way back. Maybe I’m speaking from a place of privilege but life just seems slower in Dakar and that is exactly what I need. She is my breath of fresh air after being underwater for so long. Senegal as always, you owe me nothing.

Oops I almost forgot; Happy New Year to my beloved readers. This year I promise to be consistent with my writing for you and selfishly for me too, sharing my writing with you all makes me so happy.

I pray this year is everything you expect it to be. Be patient with yourself, be kind to yourself and please be true to yourself. Remember, there is nothing you can’t do. If not you, then who? There is nothing you can’t learn to do. There is strength in asking for help and guidance.

Ha- you see how I gave you a cute little pep talk there?

You’re welcome, now pay it forward…

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I made my 2023 to-do list last month, you know the planner in me had to. I tried to make the cool vision boards the girls are doing on TikTok but I do not have the capacity. I honestly didn’t even try, I forgot my Canva password.

Anyways, on my pink notepad in big oversized letters, I noticed that most of the things on there weren’t new things, just ideas and projects I’ve been carrying over from year to year. There were also old habits I’ve been trying to leave behind for a while now. It was honestly a bit discouraging and embarrassing. My word of the year is execute, because Ley what are you waiting for? I don’t know what I’m waiting for to make certain things happen, maybe I’m waiting for the perfect timing. I mean so was my ex boo and look what that got him, nothing.

I came back to the US with cute braids feeling all pumped and recharged, at this moment I feel like there is nothing I can’t do.

It'll wear off a bit though, like the face lift these braids are giving me right now.

I’m praying for consistency this year. I'm really not as disciplined as I think I am. All the weather has to do is drop a bit more and I will bury myself in my bed sheets for the next few months forgetting all about my goals.

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Today, I want to talk about a few things I learned in 2022 and that I want to make sure I remember in the years to come.

Finally Ley we thought you would never get to the point.

Some of them might sound a bit obvious but it helps to be reminded at times.

1. You can forgive someone without getting an apology from them.

I don’t need to explain this one, just read it twice and remember that as long as this person is making you angry or sad they are still “winning”. You are forgiving the for yourself. The best thing you can do is let it go for you. You don’t need their permission to move on, take back the power.

2. You can miss something or someone and not want it back.

We get these weird feelings when we miss someone or something and feel the need to bring it back into our lives even though we’ve outgrown them. It’s like missing the college days, I miss it but you couldn't pay me to go back. It was fun while it lasted. Let people and moments flow in an out of your life. It's easier said then done but just shake that feeling off. I'm sure you got bigger problems sis.

3. Working smart is a bigger flex than working hard.

Study people who have gone before you so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. It also helps you save time and energy. It’s work smart, play hard, I don’t know what Wiz Khalifa was talking about.

4. Sometimes doing nothing is doing something.

PTO days aren’t only for traveling and partying, don’t be like me. Take a few days/hours to rest and recharge. Walk around with a messy bun in a bathrobe and order takeout. Learn to accept this type of day as a successful and productive day. Time you spend with yourself is just as important as time you spend with others

5. Make time for hobbies…

I’m 24 years old and I still struggle to answer the question “what do you like to do for fun?”. Is sleeping a hobby? My hobbies stopped with after school activities. Were they really hobbies or was it just an excuse to stay at school longer with friend? Now that I think of it we really had no lives.

I feel it, 2023 is going to be a big year. A year of action, the year we execute....

But what do I know? I’m just a girl sharing her maniere de vivre